Size: 36x48

I recently read an article about a discovery found in 1980, the same year that I accepted Christ as my Savior. It was a silver amulet found in a cave across from Mt. Zion by Israeli archeologist Gabriel Barkay. Inside the silver-lined capsule was a small rolled up scroll, safely housed for more than 2600 years. It was the Aaronic blessing we know today as Numbers 6:24-26.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.”

A benediction is the utterance or bestowing of a blessing, especially at the end of a religious service. Why is the discovery of this scroll so important to us? It is the earliest occurrence of an extra Biblical reference to YHWH. This discovery passes time greater than the artifacts found in the Dead Sea Scrolls. While there are many important aspects to this incredible find, it is the connection of this Scripture with a different Scripture found in Psalm 12: 6, 7. There David wrote that the words of YHWH are pure, like silver, and the Lord himself will protect them from this generation forever.

The words (promises) of the Lord (YHWH) are pure words;
Like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, filtered seven times.
You, Lord, will keep them;
You will protect them from this generation forever.

Greater than the safe keeping of this sacred scroll is the silver of the benediction in Numbers. Kept for more than 2600 years, the Word of God has been passed on from generation to generation; teaching, encouraging, and rebuking God’s people. From before the beginning of time the word was with God and it endures forever!

In the beginning was the Word and the Word was God. John 1:1

I wanted to create a visual piece that allowed the significance of “The Benediction” story to connect with the heart of the viewer. In my mind I pictured a large whale tail with the most beautiful sunset in the background. A peaceful scene between the Creator and the one created.

May the Lord bless you and keep you,
Glenn and Heather Lamp